West Seattle, Washington

21 Wednesday

51℉

month : 08/2018 314 results

West Seattle scene: Hate-Free Delridge’s show of support for immigrants and refugees
August 13, 2018 6:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Almost exactly a year after “standing for peace” on the Delridge/Oregon overpass, Hate-Free Delridge members and friends returned there this evening. This time, the goal was to show support for immigrants and refugees.

It’s now been two years since the group formed in response to a racist, threatening note left at the home of a local family.

Here are some fast facts about Seattle’s immigrant/refugee population.

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AIR-QUALITY ALERT: Wildfire smoke brings regional health warning
August 13, 2018 4:23 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(Added: WSB photo, looking toward Vashon from Lowman Beach)

As this increasingly smoky day moves into late afternoon, an air-quality alert just arrived by e-mail, from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and health agencies around the metro area:

Air pollution is increasing due to wildfire smoke and may cause health problems.

We expect air quality to reach levels that are UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS overnight and into tomorrow in many areas. A high pressure system is pushing upper-level wildfire smoke down. Smoke from British Columbia and the Cascades is continuing to build in the Puget Sound region today. Winds tomorrow afternoon could help clean the air. Thankfully, we don’t expect this to last as long as it did last summer. We are forecasting for GOOD to MODERATE air quality Wednesday and beyond.

Wildfire smoke can cause a range of health problems:

Chest pain
Fast heartbeat
Coughing
Stinging eyes
Irritated sinuses
Headaches
Asthma attack
Trouble breathing

Sensitive groups should take precautions, including: children, older adults, and people that are pregnant, have heart or lung issues (such as asthma and COPD), or that have had a stroke.

Stay indoors when possible.

Limit your physical activity outdoors, such as running, bicycling, physical labor, and sports.

Close windows in your home, if possible, and keep the indoor air clean. If you have an air conditioner, use the “recirculation” switch. Use an indoor air filter if available.

If you do not have an air conditioner, consider finding a public place with clean, air-conditioned indoor air like a public library or a community center.

Avoid driving, when possible. If you must drive, keep the windows closed. If you use the car’s fan or air conditioning, make sure the system recirculates air from inside the car; don’t pull air from outside.
Schools and daycare providers should consider postponing outdoor activities or moving them indoors.

N95 or N100 rated masks can help protect some people from air pollution. These masks are usually available at hardware and home repair stores. Please check with your doctor to see if this appropriate for you. More information here.

For more information on ways to reduce your exposure, see the Washington Department of Health’s Smoke From Fire tips.

Air quality conditions may change quickly. Check the air quality forecast regularly at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s website.

As always, check with your health care provider for more specific questions and concerns.

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About the wrong-way truck on SW Morgan
August 13, 2018 3:37 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

After questions about that white truck facing uphill in the downhill lanes of SW Morgan near 40th SW, we went over to check. Police say the driver lost control of the truck’s forward gears several blocks east – the first report was from 31st/Sylvan – and tried traveling in reverse gear for a while, but that didn’t work out too well, as some trees and other vehicles were hit along the way, including the purple-and-gold van in the photo. No injuries reported; police were directing traffic until the truck could be moved.

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Two for tonight: Demonstration, dinner
August 13, 2018 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on Two for tonight: Demonstration, dinner
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

The day got busy early, so no highlight list, but if you haven’t checked our calendar, two events of note are still to come:

DEMONSTRATION – Hate-Free Delridge plans a show of support for immigrants and refugees by sign-waving on the Delridge/Oregon overpass, 5:30-7 pm, and all are welcome to join. Details in our calendar listing.

DINNER: No need to cook tonight – you can support the West Seattle High School football program at a barbecue dinner that starts at 6 pm at the West Seattle Eagles (4425 California SW). Entertainment and silent auction too. Cost and menu are in our calendar listing.

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West Seattle Water Taxi alert: Smaller backup vessel now in use
August 13, 2018 12:26 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Water Taxi alert: Smaller backup vessel now in use
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

An alert just in for West Seattle Water Taxi riders:

The Water Taxi will be using the Spirit of Kingston, its smaller back-up vessel, on the West Seattle route through Wednesday. The Doc Maynard has been removed from service for vessel repairs. Riders are strongly encouraged to arrive early for their evening commute.

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FOLLOWUP: Police release bus-camera video of High Point murder suspect
August 13, 2018 10:46 am
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

First – as reported here Saturday morning – police released still images of a person they say is the suspect they’re seeking in Thursday night’s High Point bus-stop murder. This morning, they have released video from Metro bus security cameras. Police said Friday that they believe the 37-year-old victim (who has not yet been publicly identified) and his killer were involved in a “disturbance” on board before exiting the bus on the west side of the 35th and Morgan intersection, where the shooting happened. Here’s the description of the suspect: “16-21 years old, 5’7” to 5’9”, has a thin build, and was last seen wearing a dark gray hoody & jeans.” If you have any info on his identity, the SPD tipline is 206-233-5000, or call 911.

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Person found dead on Alki Beach
August 13, 2018 10:23 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle police

Thanks for the texts about the Medical Examiner and police near 55th/Alki earlier this morning, after someone was found dead on the beach. The scene was cleared by the time we got there but we’ve since been able to confirm with police that they believe this was a death by suicide. No other details except that there was an initial medical call to the area at 6:25 am.

As always, when we report a case of suicide, we include a reminder that the Crisis Clinic has a 24-hour hotline, 206-461-3222.

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UPDATE: Water rescue off Harbor Island
August 13, 2018 8:52 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(Added: Seattle Fire Department photo)

8:52 AM: You might have noticed the big Seattle Fire response headed for Harbor Island. Two people were reported to have fallen off a boat, per SFD radio, and were picked up by a Global Diving and Salvage boat. One person is reported to be conscious, one unconscious. No other word on the circumstances nor on what boat they fell from. Rescue crews are staging at Terminal 18 on the east side of Harbor Island.

9:15 AM: SFD says one of the two rescued people has gone to Harborview “in critical condition.”

9:50 AM: A commenter says one of the people had actually gone into the water to rescue the other one.

4:16 PM: SFD has more details – including confirmation of the heroic rescue by a T-18 worker – here.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch; 35th/Avalon crash
August 13, 2018 7:06 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)

7:06 AM: No incidents reported so far in/from West Seattle.

8:05 AM: Crash reported at 35th/Avalon. SDOT says all SB lanes of 35th are blocked and one NB lane.

8:10 AM: Here’s a screengrab from the SDOT traffic cam, looking south on 35th from Fauntleroy:

8:20 AM: SFD has left and one southbound lane of 35th is now open, as shown on the SDOT live-video camera (accessible via the traffic map).

8:36 AM: All lanes of 35th/Avalon are now clear.

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FOLLOWUP: Record turnout for Delridge Triangle cleanup
August 12, 2018 10:03 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news

From Friends of the Delridge Triangle and the South Delridge Community Group:

Saturday, 8/11 marked another successful cleanup at the Delridge Triangle! We hit an all-time record of volunteers coming as far as Admiral to show their community spirit by pitching in at Delridge Way SW/18th Ave SW/SW Barton St, as well as surrounding blocks.

The cleanup was a joint effort between the South Delridge Community Group (SDCG) and Friends Of The Delridge Triangle (FDT). Burger Boss Drive In kindly sponsored the event with free meal vouchers for all participants.

This is one step of a greater project in the works to redevelop the Triangle into a safe and usable community space where the neighborhood can socialize and play. The Friends of the Delridge Triangle was recently awarded $41k through the Neighborhood Matching Fund to start a community engagement process for a Phase 1 redesign of the space. The redesign phase will run start September and run through Spring 2019. The community is invited to have their voices heard and participate in the project.

To learn more about the ongoing community work and receive notifications for upcoming clean ups in South Delridge, contact the South Delridge Community Group @:
sdelridgecommunitygroup@gmail.com or visit our website.

To receive project updates and information how get involved with the Delridge Triangle redesign project contact Friends Of The Delridge Triangle @: delridgetriangle@gmail.com or visit our website.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Two thefts – aluminum crab boat, white Honda scooter
August 12, 2018 8:49 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN BOAT: From Christina & Tom:

Late last night someone stole our small crab vessel belonging to the Alki Crab Club from the 2200 block of Alki Ave SW. A small trolling motor and two life vests along with paddles were taken as well. The boat was a Sears 12 foot aluminum boat named “the Sea Beach” painted blue and white with green lettering. Reward for its return to the Alki Crab Club. Thanks! Our neighbor also reports that his paddle board was stolen from his yard last week as well.

STOLEN SCOOTER: Joseph reports this happened Friday night:

1985 Honda Elite 80 scooter taken from the parking strip across from Holy Rosary office. It had been parked in front of Holy Rosary since Tuesday until my mechanic could come out to replace the wheel. He moved it across the street to the parking strip, took the wheel off, and when he went to get a part, it was taken. Steering was locked and the rear wheel was gone.

It’s an old white scooter, missing one of the side mirrors, has collector’s plates. If you see anything, please let me know ASAP – lots more sentimental value than anything else.

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TUESDAY: Tour Aegis Living’s new West Seattle site with Admiral Neighborhood Association
August 12, 2018 7:35 pm
|    Comments Off on TUESDAY: Tour Aegis Living’s new West Seattle site with Admiral Neighborhood Association
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last month)

Many neighborhood/community groups skip August meetings. This month, the Admiral Neighborhood Association is an exception. But it’s not a regular-format meeting – ANA president Larry Wymer has announced that the ANA will meet at newly opened Aegis Living of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), and you’re invited to join the sneak-peek tour (including the tugboat shown in our top photo from its July installation), in advance of the August 25th grand opening. Be there – 4700 SW Admiral Way – at 6:30 pm Tuesday (August 14th).

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Love the West Seattle Farmers’ Market? You’re invited to ‘An Incredible Feast’
August 12, 2018 5:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Love the West Seattle Farmers’ Market? It doesn’t just spontaneously happen every Sunday … it, and counterparts around the city, are run by the Neighborhood Farmers’ Markets, whose annual fundraiser is coming up. WS market manager Sam Kielty asked us to extend the invitation to you to get tickets for “An Incredible Feast,” 5-8 pm September 23rd at the Center for Urban Horticulture (3541 NE 41st). The food and beverages come from local farmers, chefs, breweries, and wineries – see some of them listed here. “Incredible Feast” proceeds also support the farmers via the Good Farmer Fund. You can get your ticket(s) here.

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West Seattle Movies: Timebank fundraising @ ‘Wrinkle in Time,’ and what you’ll see next week
August 12, 2018 2:57 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Movies: Timebank fundraising @ ‘Wrinkle in Time,’ and what you’ll see next week
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

Thanks to Tamsen Spengler from the West Seattle Timebank for photos from last night’s West Seattle Outdoor Movies screening of “A Wrinkle in Time.” The Timebank was last night’s spotlight nonprofit – here are Janine and Frances with the banner:

Tamsen reports that their benefit raffle brought in $172. Every week, a different nonprofit is in the spotlight – next Saturday night (August 18th), it’s ArtsWest, and the movie is “Coco,” second-to-last movie of the summer, at dusk outside the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor), 36th and Snoqualmie. (WSB is the series’ media sponsor.)

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UPDATE: House fire on 28th SW
August 12, 2018 12:58 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Thanks for all the texted tips about this. We have just arrived in the 10200 block of 28th SW, which is blocked because of a multi-agency response for a house fire. Here’s a photo from Jim Edwards:

1:07 PM UPDATE: The incident commander tells us they don’t believe anyone was at the home when the fire started. The cause is under investigation.

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What’s up for the rest of today/tonight? Check our calendar!
August 12, 2018 11:06 am
|    Comments Off on What’s up for the rest of today/tonight? Check our calendar!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Sorry to miss the daily highlights list today – but we hope by now you’ve checked our always-available West Seattle Event Calendar, where you’ll find cool stuff happening for the rest of today, including these four:

–Beach naturalists at two West Seattle locations until 1:30 pm
–‘Paws and Paint’ beer-garden party in Morgan Junction
–Back-to-back “Backyard Bard” performances in Delridge
–“Legally Blonde” matinee

Plus – the city says its Sunday-schedule wading pools ARE open today.

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West Seattle whale-watching: Orca sighting
August 12, 2018 8:55 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

8:55 AM: Texter says orcas are northbound, passing The Arroyos – midchannel, at least three whales.

10:04 AM: Another texter says the orcas are now reported to be north of Blake Island, “at least five orcas, crossing north of the midchannel buoy.” Also, we’ve added a photo from the first tipster, Chris Frankovich.

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UPDATE: Crash at Harbor/Spokane
August 11, 2018 10:14 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:14 PM: Complicating the post-SPF30 outbound traffic from Alki, there’s a crash at Harbor and Spokane. We don’t know details but SDOT says it’s blocking southbound lanes.

10:23 PN: Just added a framegrab from the SDOT traffic camera at that intersection. SDOT now says “westbound” lanes are blocked – toward Alki rather than away from it.

11:26 PM: SDOT says all lanes are clear.

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UPDATE: House-fire callout on Puget Ridge
August 11, 2018 9:56 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

9:56 PM: Seattle Fire now has a house-fire callout in the 5400 block of 18th SW. Updates to come.

9:59 PM: The incident log shows most of the originally dispatched units have been dismissed. We’re still heading over to see what we can find out.

(Added: WSB photo)

10:30 PM: This is the second time in a little over three weeks that SFD has been called to 5431 18th SW – here’s our coverage of the July 19th call. As described last time, the house is in rundown condition, and an alleged squatter is living there. The damage/cause in this incident is still being evaluated – the SFD investigator is on scene, as are police, but we do know the fire’s out and no oe was hurt.

ADDED MONDAY: SFD says the cause was ruled “accidental” and since the house is vacant, there’s no dollar amount estimate for the damage done.

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UPDATE: Brush fire callout on Beach Drive
August 11, 2018 8:56 pm
|    Comments Off on UPDATE: Brush fire callout on Beach Drive
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

8:56 PM: Thanks for the tip. No, the SFD response in the beach area right now is NOT in the SPF30 festival zone – it’s for a brush fire “with exposure” (which usually means a structure potentially in danger) in the 3400 block of Beach Drive.

9:15 PM: The call has closed.

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SPF30, PM REPORT: Sub Pop Records’ Alki celebration crescendo
August 11, 2018 6:58 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(FOR COVERAGE FROM EARLIER IN THE DAY, go here)

6:58 PM: Evening is here and the final frenetic few hours of Sub Pop Records’ 30th-birthday party SPF30 are beginning. The crowd is thickening by the minute, and some are watching from the water:

Mudhoney‘s set is minutes away on the Harsh Realm stage at 57th/Alki. Shabazz Palaces is wrapping their set on the east side of the Bathhouse. More to come!

7:39 PM: Having some challenges with one signal provider so we’re behind on evening images. We will of course add when we can! Meanwhile, eyes on the sky:

Only the briefest of showers in the past six-plus hours. Just needs to hold out a few more.

8:32 PM: As featured in our first report, here’s the KEXP video stream:

At 9 pm, they’re scheduled to stream the last act of the night, Father John Misty. Here’s their clip of Beach House, the 8 pm band:

This is all supposed to end at 10 – remember that The Junction invites you to downtown West Seattle’s afterparty, including a DJ at West 5 (4539 California SW; WSB sponsor).

9:12 PM: Our Mudhoney clip remains stuck in cell hell. But Barry Devenney sent this photo of the crowd, during the band’s last song:

We just caught part of Father John Misty’s set, too. Lots more to add when we get back to HQ.

12:06 AM: Evening scenes! The crowd:

Hot Snakes:

Fastbacks:

Shabazz Palaces:

Beach House:

Mudhoney:

Here’s video by Tony Welch:

Father John Misty:

(Added Sunday: Video by Mark Jaroslaw:)

And as the party wrapped … Admiral Way was lined with people awaiting various forms of transportation, while the big tour-bus-size shuttles provided by Sub Pop circulated past.

P.S. We’re also adding more to our first report, which covered the afternoon and very-early evening.

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SPF30, 1ST REPORT: Sub Pop party is rocking Alki, rain and shine
August 11, 2018 1:36 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(SPF30 INFOLINKS: Music schedule here … transportation info here … food truck/vendor/etc. list here … video streaming here)

1:36 PM: At the Punky Stage on Alki Playfield, Caspar Babypants sang “Here Comes the Sun” shortly after opening his set at SPF30 –

It seems to have worked – we’re in a sunbreak as we type, starting our coverage of the huge Sub Pop Records 30th-birthday party, which is on at 4 stages (plus beer gardens, tents, and more) until 10 pm. The playfield is paradise for kids – along the west side, a big gathering of bouncy toys:

In the middle of the playfield, vendor/community tents include Alki Elementary PTA, steps from their school (here’s what they’re selling):

And the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) tent makes its debut, with cold brew:

(Photo courtesy Bryan Jones)

Our coverage is just getting started. If you’re headed here, a few things you should know – really, don’t even try to park within a mile of Alki – we tried it before 1 pm and can vouch for the neighborhoods south of Admiral being full up. Meantime, Carolyn Newman sends a photo of the wait for the Water Taxi shuttle at Seacrest:

(Here’s all the Water Taxi info for today.) If you just can’t get here – KEXP is video-streaming some of the bands. Clicking the “play” button for this YouTube window should get you to their stream:

Here’s the streaming schedule.

2:18 PM: We’re still near the Punky stage, where The Not-Its are playing now.

Also among the organizations in mid-playfield booths, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, beneficiaries of some fundraising today including the guitar that’s being auctioned … demonstrated here by West Seattle’s highest-ranking politician:

(If you’re new, he’s King County Executive Dow Constantine.) Thanks to Clay Eals for that photo. Want to read about and/or bid on the guitar? Go here. Also note that SWSHS’s Log House Museum here on Alki (61st SW/SW Stevens) IS open today, and you can check out the new “Sound Spots” music exhibit there until 4 pm.

3:23 PM UPDATE: We’ve just wandered the rest of the site. Most of the food trucks are along 59th just south of Alki Ave (with a few others scattered elsewhere):

59th is also where you’ll find bike parking, on the tennis court:

Along Alki Ave. are the three stages – Loma just performed at the Flippity-Flop stage on the east side of Alki Bathhouse:

Nearby, just west of the KEXP booth, a water-bottle-refilling station:

In general, it’s not too crowded yet – still room to roam from the streets to the spectator zones. And the weather has behaved for the past few hours.

5:17 PM: The crowd is building. Here’s a quick clip of Clipping, last hour:

Each of the three main stages has two acts ahead, including the Fastbacks, scheduled to get going about now at the Loser stage (west side of Alki Bathhouse), Hot Snakes also set to have started minutes ago at the Harsh Realm stage on Alki Ave. at 57th. Meantime, transportation is still busy – someone we know was passed by enough full Route 50 buses to give up and walk here.

6:03 PM: The two aforementioned bands:



LATE NIGHT NOTES: We’ve added a few photos above. And if you haven’t already seen it, our evening coverage continued here.

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FOLLOWUP: Photos of suspect sought in High Point murder
August 11, 2018 12:29 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Seattle Police have released security-camera photos of what they describe as the suspect in Thursday night’s deadly shooting at 35th/Morgan.

The description: “He is 16-21 years old, 5’7” to 5’9”, has a thin build and was last seen wearing a dark gray hoody & jeans.” If you recognize him, call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000, or 911. Police say the victim, 37, was shot and killed shortly after getting off a bus on which they say he and his killer had been involved in some kind of “disturbance.”

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